via Buy It Now on e-bay at £25.99 + £3P&P , which at the time of listing was much lower than other BIN ones there that I can see but from wider knowledge is a fair price.

Link:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140549827296&ssPageName=STR...

I think you are right to look at converting a regular backpack.

I have just done that and got what I needed at a fraction of the price of what I could get dedicated photo backpacks. Plus got a 'airback' one to aviod 'sweaty back syndrome'

My photo needs were much smaller than yours so that bit was easier to accomodate with some bits I already had at home, but I think canabilising something else, or using stand alone inserts (Warehouse Express) maybe in the 'bottom compartment' of a rucksack

Thanks guys.

Gareth - thanks, hubby has an old Lowepro Orion Trekker which is almost exactly the same design & has done him sterling service for years. But, too small for my needs - camera stuff + handbag + odds for the day + room for a fleece / coat ICON.

Suggestions re using 'inserts' reminded me that I have an old tape video camera (why have I kept this???) in the loft in a bag, so have used inserts from that to cobble together some padding / support. Plus plastic bag for rainproofing.

It's a bit 'gaffer tapish' so will see how long it lasts and may have to resort to spending money on proper insrts later but will try it for now.

So, seems like total cost for 30 litre pack with airback and fitted for camera just £26.99.

After reading many bag threads and in consideration of our tiny budget I have decided to take a cheapish hiking rucksack and fit out use the front pocket to hold my k-x with 18-250 attached, which is it's 'walkabout' configeration. Other bits can go in other pockets.

I am thinking of buying a block of foam from a local foam supplier and 'carving' it to fit inside the pocket and to support the k-x body either side of the lens whilst the camera is pointing lens down (so weight not on the front of the lens.)

I believe a few others on here have done something similar so any tips appreciated.

Another vote for the ease / quality combination of the Tamron / Pentax (basically the same lens) 18-250 secondhand.

+1 sharpen, anything more needed when we see the result is left for PP work.

50-200 sold

18-55 sold.

18-55 sold subject to payment.

Just in case wanted to let anyone looking know they won't now be going on e-bay for a while.

At short notice we need to go away for a few days re elderly relative & so won't have the time to get them onto e-bay THEN we are away on holiday for 2 weeks from Easter Monday.

So, if you spot this and are interested get in touch but bear in mind the above.

Considering the situation would now be open to offers & re payment Paypal ideal or others like bank transfer considered.